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Kenya
Rift Valley Adventurer
Showcasing the very best of this magical country, our 10 day Kenyan Adventurer is packed with activities and natural
wonders, from the grassy plains of the rift valley to snow capped peaks. We seek to blend a learning experience with a
healthy dose of adventure. If it’s nature you’re looking for you’ll be hard pressed to beat Kenya as a destination with its
annual great migration of millions of wildebeest or the pink blush of Lake Nakuru densely populated with flamingos.
You will also veer off the beaten track to visit one of the top producing flower exporters in Lake Naivasha as well as the
acclaimed Elsamere Conservation Centre. There is also the thrill of White Water rafting in the Tana River and a day trek
to a dormant volcano to wrap up a truly memorable adventure.
Recommended itinerary:
Culture shock rating:
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Day 11-2: Arrive in Nairobi, Great Rift Valley
Jambo! Welcome to Kenya. We are met by our tour leader on arrival and transferred directly to the Great Rift Valley,
our destination today is the dramatic Njorowa Gorge (2 to 3 hours drive). On route we’ll stop at a viewpoint over the
great rift valley to witness directly the forces of nature as we see evidence of how shifting plate tectonics have shaped
the landscape. Heading further north we enter Hells Gate National Park and enjoy the exhilaration of our first game
drive on the trip before we set up camp.
Tonight’s camp is in a superb location, fifty metres up on a spur of ground overlooking the whole valley. Wildlife
abounds with herds of buffalo, giraffe and Kongoni likely to be grazing below. There is nothing quite like camping
under the African skies!
Day 3: Activity day
The morning is spent climbing, abseiling, hiking or game driving in the park. We are likely to encounter giraffe, zebra,
buck and buffalo amongst others. The local crags offer great single pitch climbing on Fisher’s Tower and Fisher’s Cliffs.
The climbing is best done in the early morning until 11 a.m. and in the latter part of the afternoon when temperatures
have dropped and it is cooler. In the afternoon we head down into the Njorowa Gorge to take a look at volcanic
deposition and river erosion before returning once again to our campsite.
Day 4: Lake Naivasha
Another leisurely start to the day! After breaking camp, we drive 30 minutes down the road to our next camp on the
shores of stunning Lake Naivasha. In the afternoon we visit a flower farm to see how they grow, cut and pack roses for
export to Europe. This area is one of the key flower producing areas in Kenya supplying many of the leading UK
supermarkets and an important source of export revenue for Kenya. After our tour we take a boat ride on Lake
Naivasha and return to camp.
Day 5: Conservation centre
This morning we visit the acclaimed Elsamere Centre which is dedicated to providing students the opportunity to learn
about the value of conservation through demonstrations and guided nature walks. In the afternoon we will take a tour
of the geothermal electrical generation plant.
Day 6: Lake Nakuru
We head off early and drive the short distance (110 km) to Lake Nakuru National Park. The park itself is a relatively small
and compact area, based around the often flamingo-filled lake, making it a great location for spotting wildlife. Along
with the other members of the Big Five, Lake Nakuru harbours rhinos and there will be a good chance of seeing one of
these magnificent beasts. The park also has an extensive elephant population. We will camp outside the National Park.
Day 7: Mt Longonot volcanic trek
We pack up camp and depart for Mt Longonot, a dormant volcano last thought to have erupted in the 1860’s. Today
we take the 7.2 km walk up and around the vast dormant caldera which is 12km wide, a truly dramatic site. Once back
on board our bus we’ll transfer to Sagana which is a 4 hour drive through the tea plantations. Arrive late evening at
Savage Wilderness camp on the Tana River.
Day 8: Various activities
There is the option to tailor today’s activities according to what the group wants to do. We can visit a tea factory and
take a tour around the tea plantations. We could also visit Mount Suswa, a massive double volcanic crater, where we
can explore its dramatic lava caves. Mt. Suswa is one of the most spectacular mountains of the Rift Valley, it comprises a
12 km across double crater system, a vast network of obsidian caves and a variety of wild animals and plants. Finally
there is the option to be involved in a school project, details of which are available on request.
Day 9: White Water Rafting
Today we head to the Tana River, a drop pool river offering an exciting day of white water rafting. Starting with 3 km
of easy class II and III white water, followed by a 6 km section with an hour or so of relaxation to view the abundance of
bird life around, then cool off with a swim! The final 7 km of river, back to the campsite, starts with some easy class III
waters where paddle commands are revised, followed by 3 big rapids (class IV and V) with names like Captains Folly,
Can of Worms (because of its four 90 degree bends in succession) and Sphincter Flexor. Subject to water levels you
may be able to “surf” in “fish eye” and then swim the next couple of minor rapids. We return to our camp for our last
night under African skies for a final celebration meal and to relive the experiences and highlights of the past nine days.
Day 10/11: Transfer back to Nairobi and fly (possibly overnight) back to UK
We transfer back to Nairobi Jomo Kenyetta International airport for our flight back to the UK, depending on times, we
may arrive back into the UK on day 11.
Important information: It is important to realise that the itinerary needs to be flexible. While every effort will be made to follow the above schedule, in
the event of political problems, airline schedule changes or natural events, we will do our best to make your trip as enjoyable and hassle-free as
possible, but it is important to EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED and be prepared to accept some slight changes. Relax and have faith in your guides.
For more information and a detailed quote, please contact us:
telephone: 01392 660056
email: [email protected]
website: www.thestc.co.uk